How to Build a Painting Bench
Updated: Nov. 29, 2023
This terrific DIY bench is also a great platform for many other home improvement projects.
Time A day
ComplexityBeginner
CostAround $40
Introduction
A good painter's bench must do three things well.
- It's got to be light enough to carry around the whole house.
- It's got to be strong enough to stand on.
- It must be useful around the shop for other purposes.
This one does all that. Plus, it's a perfect seat for taking a break!
Made from readily available stock found at any home center, this painter's bench can be made in an afternoon. If you've got a house to paint, do yourself a favor and build this bench first. Here's how.
Tools Required
- Bandsaw or coping saw
- Cordless drill
- Countersink bit
- Jigsaw
- palm sander
- Pencil
- Table saw
Materials Required
- One 1" x 12" x 8' pine (or your species of choice)
- One box of 1-1/4" wood screws
Cutting List
| KEY | QTY. | PART | DIMENSIONS |
| A | 1 | Top | 11-1/4″ x 33″ x 3/4″ |
| B | 2 | Leg | 11-1/4″ x 13-1/2″ x 3/4″ |
| D | 2 | Stretcher | 4-1/2″ x 29-3/4″ x 3/4″ |
| D | 2 | Foot | 2″ x 14″ x 3/4″ |
Project step-by-step (10)
Step 1
Cut the parts
- Follow the cutting list and cut the parts to size.
- Cut the leg parts slightly longer. You’ll cut them to final length later.
Step 2
Round over the corners
- Rounding over the corners eliminates sharp edges and adds a pleasant look.
- With a jigsaw, band saw or hand-held coping saw, round the corners of the feet with a 1/2-inch radius curve.
- Use a one-inch radius for the top.
- Pro tip: The radius of the corners are not critical. Find something about the right size lying around the shop to use as a template.
Step 3
Add a handle
- I made this handle 6- by 1-1/4-in. to fit my large hands. Yours can be any size that suits you.
- Draw the shape of the handle 2-1/4-in. from the edge of the top with a pencil. The offset position of the handle opening makes the bench easier to carry.
Step 4
Bevel the legs
- Cut the five-degree angle on the top and bottom edge using a table saw with a miter slider.
- Or, if you’re lucky enough to have one, use a 12-in. sliding miter saw for this step.
Step 5
Cut the leg shape
- Draw the curve on the legs parts. Keep a 7-in. width at the top and use the full width at the bottom. The shape in between is up to you.
- Pro tip: Draw and cut on paper first. Then use that as your template to draw the curve on both legs.
- Cut the shape with a jigsaw.
Step 6
Make the stretchers
- Cut the five-degree angles on the ends of the stretchers with a miter saw.
- Draw a curve that looks pleasing and cut it with a jigsaw.
Step 7
Apply a finish
- Finishing each part prior to assembly makes the job easier.
- Sand the parts up to 180-grit.
- Apply a clear polyurethane or solid color paint
Step 8
Add feet
- Add the feet to the bottom of the legs with 1-1/2-in. screws.
- Pro tip: Use a small amount of super glue to help keep the feet from moving around while you’re driving the screws.
- Countersink each screw hole to avoid splitting the end grain of the legs.
Step 9
Assemble the base
- Avoid splitting end grain by drilling pilot holes.
- Attach the stretchers to the legs using 1-1/4-in. screws.
Step 10
Attach the top
- Drill countersunk screw holes in the top.
- Attach the top to the base with 1-1/4-in. screws.
